Trick-or-treat! It’s just about time for everyone’s favorite fall holiday, Halloween! By now you’ve probably got your decorations up, costumes ready and your candy purchased, but there are still a few last minute details to keep in mind for both you and the kids. After all, trick-or-treating is not only an evening event, but an outdoor one, too, so we’d like to share some Halloween safety tips for keeping the night frightfully fun and safe.

Costume Check: Double-check your child’s Halloween costume. It should be visible in the dark, but if not, add reflective tape, sold at craft and hardware stores. Have them carry a flashlight or bright glowstick, too, and if they have a mask, make sure they can see out of it clearly. And most important, check the weather report to make sure your little ghosts and goblins are dressed appropriately. This year, you may need to consider an indoor back-up plan depending on the path of Hurricane Sandy–be smart!

Stick Together: It’s best to have an adult go along for the evening, but if your kids are old enough to trick-or-treat alone, remind them to stay together with friends at all times. It’s more fun that way, too! Everyone should have a cell phone tucked in a safe place, and arrange for them to check in with you at pre-set times—you can even download spooky ringtones for fun. Be sure to map out a route in advance, too, so you know where they’ll be and remind them to only go to well-lit homes.

Candy Audit: As tempting as it might be, have your trick-or-treaters wait until they’re home to start in on the candy. Make sure all of it is wrapped and safe, and check for any food allergy issues. Then let them have fun trading, sorting and most of all eating their goodies!